BSP man killed as violence continues

Samajwadi Party (SP) president Mulayam Singh Yadav, front, and party general secretary Akhilesh Yadav leave their residence in Lucknow on Tuesday. The party is all set to form the next government in Uttar Pradesh. PTI Photo

A BSP activist was killed in a clash in UP’s Hardoi district as violence by Samajwadi Party (SP) workers continued across the state on Saturday, despite appeals and warnings by the party leadership including chief minister-designate Akhilesh Yadav.

Clashes were reported in the state’s Pratapgarh district and in Moradabad after a newly-elected party legislator's car knocked down and severely injured a police constable.

While police officials refused to be drawn into the political aspects, Assistant Director General of Police (Law & Order) Subesh Singh confirmed the incidents and said follow-up action was being taken.

“A clash between two political parties has been reported and a person has died,” he said.

After the clash in Sandila area of Hardoi, adjoining Lucknow, eight people, said to be close to a SP gram pradhan had been detained. The incident has led to tension in the area.